Paula Wriedt

Awarded for service to community, advocacy and inclusion; education and training; government, public services and politics

Born: 11 December 1968

Entered on roll: 2023

"Pathbreaker and reducing stigma"

Paula Wriedt has represented Tasmanian communities for over 25 years in State and Local Government. Despite at times dealing with personal insults and high-profile challenges, Paula has demonstrated resilience, and an ability to make ongoing contributions.

Paula was elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly for the seat of Franklin in 1996 at the age of 27. In 1998 she became the State’s Education Minister, and at 29 years of age the youngest ever female appointed to Cabinet. While in that portfolio, she introduced significant policy initiatives including raising the school leaving age, banning corporal punishment, increasing teachers’ wages, and elevating the status of childcare as early learning.

In 2000, Paula was the first Tasmanian member of Parliament to give birth during her office term, and she soon returned to her work, successfully juggling her Ministerial duties while being a new mother.

In 2002, Paula was appointed Minister for Women and developed the Tasmanian Women’s Honour Roll, with the first ceremony held in 2005 with 84 inductees.

Paula retired from the Tasmanian Parliament in January 2009 after battling depression. This was a challenging period that attracted significant media attention. Following her recovery, Paula spoke openly about her own experiences to reduce the stigma around mental illness.

In March 2010 Paula was appointed as Chief Executive Officer for Cystic Fibrosis Tasmania, where she has been successful in growing the financial stability, reach and outcomes of the organisation. Through this role, Paula has not only raised significant funds, but increased community understanding about this chronic, life shortening condition.

In 2011, Paula was elected as a councillor on Kingborough Council, and in 2021 became Kingborough’s first female Mayor. For the past eight years she has chaired Council’s Disability Inclusion and Access Committee, advocating for improved facilities for people living with disability.

Paula is a strong believer in social justice issues and continues to advance issues to make her community kinder and more inclusive.